Tag: machinery equipment safety

Posted on

Utility Vehicle Safety

Polaris Ranger UV

(Polaris Ranger. Source: Pennsylvania State University. Agricultural Safety and Health)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Utility vehicle safety. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66330/utility-vehicle-safety.

 

The use of utility type vehicles (UTVs) on farms and ranches continues to grow because of the versatility, power, and capability these machines offer when completing agricultural tasks. UTVs have four or six wheels and are powered by diesel, gasoline, electricity, or a hydrogen fuel cell. One advantage of a UTV is the cargo bed, which can be used to haul various items such as feed, supplies, and newborn calves, making it ideal for small jobs. Cargo beds can be equipped with hydraulic bed lifts to reduce the physical strain of unloading materials. UTVs have additional features that, compared to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs),  increase their value in agricultural settings. For example, UTVs feature easy access to the seat, power steering, an acceleration pedal and brake pedal, seating space to safely transport a passenger, an enclosed cab, a heater, and various seating options (that is, bucket or bench seats).

Remember that utility vehicles are power tools; not toys. Read the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended maintenance, usage, and operation. Ensure that all UTVs have appropriate safety decals. Follow the additional safety recommendations outlined below to reduce the risk of injury.

Passengers

A passenger should ride only in his or her own seat and that person should be tall enough to reach the handholds while sitting properly in the passenger seat. Operators and passengers alike should keep their legs and arms inside the UTV when the vehicle is in motion. Passengers and drivers must always fasten their seat belts (when seat belts are available).

Overturn Incidents

To reduce the risk of an overturn incident, decrease speed when traveling on rough terrain—this lowers the risk of the operator or passenger being thrown from the vehicle. The UTV’s center of gravity is raised when hauling loads in the cargo bed. To reduce the risk of overturning, especially when carrying a heavy load, it is important to drive slowly and smoothly when making turns. When driving on an incline, remember that driving up or down the slope is safer than driving across. If making a turn on a sloped area, drive completely up the hill or down the hill before making the turn.

Another way to avoid an overturn incident is to avoid driving near ditches or embankments. The recommendation is that if a ditch is six feet deep, stay at least six feet from its edge.

Operator Responsibility

  • Always be aware of your surroundings and look behind you before backing up. Look especially for children.
  • As with any type of machinery, never use drugs or alcohol prior to or while operating a UTV.
  • Secure loads in the cargo bed to prevent them shifting during transportation.
  • Even if your utility vehicle is equipped with a roll bar, remember that the seat belts for you and your passenger must be securely buckled to provide protection in the event of a rollover.  

Resources

  • Click HERE to be directed to the Youth Agricultural Work Guidelines that provides questions designed to help you determine whether your youth is ready to operate an UTV and have a positive agricultural work experience. 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Utility vehicle safety. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66330/utility-vehicle-safety.

 
 

Sources

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J. & Murphy, D. (2004) ATVs and utility vehicles. HOSTA Task Sheet 6.2. The Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

Jepsen, S.D. & Henwood, K. (2010) Safe operation of utility type vehicles (UTVs). The Ohio State University Extension. Retrieved from http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/pdf/0597_1.pdf.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Kerri Ebert, Kansas State University – kebert@k-state.edu
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
 
 

 

Posted on

Mechanical Hazards: Wrap Points

Wrap Point Hazard. Source: University of Minnesota

(Wrap Point. Source: University of Minnesota)

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Wrap point. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66373/mechanical-hazards:-wrap-points.

 

Any type of exposed rotating machine component can pose a wrap point or entanglement point hazard. Almost all field and stationary machines on a farm or ranch have one or more rotating parts, many of which present wrap point hazards. Examples of wrap points include power take-off (PTO) and secondary shafts on any machine, post-hole diggers, augers, and tines or blades on manure spreaders.

One of the most common wrap point hazards is the PTO unit, which rotates at a speed of at least 540 rpm, or nine rotations per second, when operating at full recommended speed. If a piece of a person’s clothing or a shoelace is caught in a PTO rotating at this speed, the person could be entangled around the shaft in less than a second. A smooth shaft can be an entanglement hazard because force from the rotating shaft may be adequate to hold clothes against the shaft. Because clothing is more likely to catch on an uneven surface, the hazard increases when the shaft is not round; when there is dirt or debris such as mud, rust, or manure on the shaft (as shown in the image above); or when the shaft is nicked. Clothing can also become snagged on universal joints, keys, and fastening devices.

Potential Injuries

Wrap point incidents can result in the following injuries:

  • Severe contusions
  • Cuts
  • Burns
  • Dislocations
  • Broken bones
  • Amputations
  • Scalping

Incidents can result in fatalities if injuries are sufficiently severe.

Safety Precautions

You can reduce the risk of a wrap point incident by taking the actions that follow:

  • Identify machines that may have wrap points.
  • Be aware that fatigue, carelessness, and haste contribute to entanglement incidents.
  • Make sure the PTO shaft, driveline, and universal joint are properly shielded and maintained.
  • Wear clothing that fits well because close-fitting clothing is less likely to be pulled into moving parts.
  • Remove all jewelry and tie back long hair or secure it under a hat when working near a machine that has a wrap point.
  • Before dismounting a tractor, always take the PTO out of gear and shut down the engine.
  • Turn off the machine and wait for rotating parts to come to a complete stop before starting any type of maintenance.
  • If a shield has been removed to complete maintenance, make sure the shield is securely in place prior to operating the equipment.
  • Replace damaged manufacturer-installed warning labels and place warning labels on unlabeled areas.
  • For better visibility of wrap point hazards, consider painting those areas a bright color to provide an additional alert to the hazard.
  • Choose equipment that is properly guarded rather than using older equipment that may lack guards such as PTO master shields.

Resources

Click here to view a video about wrap point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Wrap point. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66373/mechanical-hazards:-wrap-points.

 

Sources

 

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016). The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2009. ANSI/ASABE S604. Safety for power take-off (PTO), implement input drivelive (IID), implement input connection (IIC), and auxiliary power take-off (aux. PTO) for agricultural field equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from https://elibrary.asabe.org/.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2011. ANSI/ASABE AD500-1:2004. Agricultural tractors – Rear-mounted power take-off types 1,2 and 3 – Part 1: General specifications, safety requirements, dimensions for master shield and clearance zone. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from https://elibrary.asabe.org/.

FARM-HAT. (2010). Pennsylvania State University, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Agricultural Safety and Health. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/farm-agriculture-rural-management-hazard-analy….

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

Safety note #11: Power take-off safety. (2004) University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environmental Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://safety.ucanr.org/files/1364.pdf.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Kerri Ebert, Kansas State University – kebert@k-state.edu
Jason Lamm, Donegal Insurance Group – jgl134@gmail.com
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Posted on

Rollover Protective Structures


Use the following format to cite this article:

Rollover protective structures. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66325/rollover-protective-structures.

 

Tractor rollover incidents account for approximately half of all tractor-related fatalities across the country. A rollover protective structure (ROPS) fits on an agricultural tractor and protects the operator in the event of a rollover.

A tractor’s ROPS and seat belt work in conjunction to secure the operator in a protective zone, reducing the operator’s risk of being crushed under the tractor should it overturn. In most situations, the ROPS limits the overturn to little more than 90 degrees.

Although tractors built after 1985 are equipped with ROPSs and seat belts, many farmers and ranchers use older tractors that are not equipped with these safety devices. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, farm and ranch owners are required to have a ROPS and seat belt installed on all tractors operated by employees.

ROPS: Type and Structure

There are three types of ROPS, all of which protect the operator in the event of a rollover:

  • two-post ROPS
  • four-post ROPS
  • ROPS with enclosed cabs

Two-Post ROPS

Tractor with ROPS

(Two-post ROPS. Source: Pennsylvania State University. Agricultural Safety and Health)

The two-post ROPS (pictured above) is the most common type of ROPS. The upright posts are typically vertical or slightly tilted and are mounted to the rear axle. Two-post ROPSs are either rigid or foldable.

  • A foldable ROPS has a specially designed hinge that allows the ROPS to fold to fit in low-clearance areas.
  • You must raise and lock the foldable ROPS after completing activities in low-clearance areas.
    • A foldable ROPS that is not in its upright position will not provide protection during a rollover.

Four-Post ROPS

A four-post ROPS is mounted on both axles and on the frame in front of the operator. Occasionally, a four-post ROPS is mounted to the tops of specially reinforced flattop rear fenders.

ROPS with an Enclosed Cab

Farmall 130A Tractor

Farmall 130A Tractor. Photo Source: Case IH Media Library

Typically, a tractor is outfitted with a ROPS with an enclosed cab by the manufacturer—the tractor’s cab structure is designed to act as a ROPS. As sales of tractors with cabs have increased, ROPSs with enclosed cabs have become more common.

Falling Object Protective Structures

A falling object protective structure (FOPS) is a canopy specially designed to protect the operator from falling objects. FOPSs are especially recommended for use on front-end loaders and when working in wooded areas or other situations that may involve falling objects.

Most FOPS are used on tractors with four-post ROPS or ROPS with enclosed cabs. 

Retrofitting Older Tractors

Most tractors built before 1985 can and should be retrofitted with ROPS and seat belts. Check with your local dealership or manufacturer to determine the availability of ROPS retrofit kits. You may also click here to access the University of Kentucky ROPS Guide to determine whether a ROPS is available for your tractor. You should have technicians at a dealership install any aftermarket ROPS.

ROPS Safety Standards

Do not use a homemade ROPS on your agricultural tractor; it will not provide you with the necessary protection in the event of a rollover and may pose liability issues.

Manufacturers have designed and tested ROPS to meet specific standards developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE)—now called the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)—and other organizations. These standards indicate that a ROPS has passed specially designed crush, static, and dynamic tests that confirm its effectiveness.

ROPS must meet the following standards:

  • SAE J2194
  • OSHA 1928.51

In Canada, ROPS must meet the following standards:

  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B352.0
  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA) SA 352.1 
Certification labels identify structures that meet the safety standards required of a ROPS. Some cab structures and bars may look like ROPS, but only ROPS have certification labels.
  • Two- and four-post ROPS should have labels applied directly to the posts.
  • The label on a ROPS with enclosed cab should be located on the edge of the cab door.
Like ROPS, FOPS must meet SAE and ASAE standards. If you are uncertain whether your canopy is a certified FOPS, check with the ROPS supplier or equipment dealer.

ROPS Maintenance

A factory-installed ROPS should never be structurally modified (that is, cut, welded, and so on). Such modifications can impact the integrity of the ROPS and impair its effectiveness in a rollover.

Periodically check the ROPS and seat belt on each tractor for signs of wear such as rust and cracks. Contact the dealership regarding the best way to properly correct any issues.

Resources

Click here to learn about aftermarket ROPS rebate programs available in certain areas of the United States.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Rollover protective structures. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66325/rollover-protective-structures.

Sources

 

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), 2012. ANSI/ASAE S478.1. Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Compact Utility Tractors. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from http://www.elibrary.asabe.org.

 

Murphy, D. and Buckmaster, D. (2003) Rollover protection for farm tractor operators. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/rollover-protection-for-farm-tractor-operators.

The Kentucky ROPS Guide. (2010) Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention, University of Kentucky. Retrieved from http://rops.ca.uky.edu/?utm_medium=301&utm_source=warehouse-page.

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – djm13@psu.edu
Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
 
Posted on

Mechanical Hazards: Crush Points

Crush Hazard. Source: Virginia Tech.

(Photo Source: Virginia Cooperative Extension)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Crush points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66323/mechanical-hazards:-crush-points.

A crush-point hazard exists when two objects move toward each other or when a moving object approaches a stationary object. The most common crush point agricultural producers encounter is the attachment of an implement to a tractor’s drawbar (shown above). The space between the tractor’s drawbar and the implement’s hitch decreases as the tractor moves toward the implement.

Additional crush-point hazards exist when equipment is raised or lowered with a three-point hitch and when components are moved by hydraulic cylinders. The area between a tractor loader bucket and a concrete wall is also a potential crush point. A crush-point incident can occur when a piece of equipment is not properly secured with blocks, allowing the equipment to roll.

Potential Injuries

Examples of nonfatal injuries associated with crush-point incidents include crushed tissue, cuts, and broken bones, typically in the extremities. Depending on the part of the body that is crushed, fatalities can also result from crush-point incidents.

Safety Precautions

The list below outlines ways of reducing the risk of a crush-point incident.

  • Identify machines that may have crush points.
  • Do not allow anyone to stand or place any body parts in the space between two objects that form a crush point.
  • When hitching an implement, wait until the tractor has completely stopped before approaching the hitch point.
  • If possible, hitch a tractor and implement by backing the tractor into position without having a person positioned between the tractor and the implement.
  • As a backup in case of a mechanical failure such as a jack slipping or an overhead support breaking, use blocks to secure any equipment before working under it.
  • Block the wheels of an implement to prevent the implement from rolling.

Resources

Click here to view a video about crush-point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program. (Note: When a piece of equipment comes into contact with a person or body part, that is also considered a crush point).

Click here to order a copy of the booklet Safe Implement Hitching: A Guide for Safe Connection of Agricultural Tractors to Implements from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Crush points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66323/mechanical-hazards:-crush-points.

 

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved by http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

 

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
S. Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University – jepsen.4@osu.edu
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
 
 
Posted on

Power Take-Off Safety

Using PTO Implements

Using PTO Implements

(Source: Pennsylvania State Ag Safety and Health)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Power take-off safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66324/power-take-off-safety.

 

A power take-off (PTO) shaft transfers mechanical power from a tractor to an implement (shown above). Some PTO-driven equipment is operated from the tractor seat, but many types of farm equipment, such as elevators, grain augers, silage blowers, and so on, are operated in a stationary position, enabling an operator to leave the tractor and move in the vicinity of the implement.

A PTO shaft rotates at a speed of either 540 rpm (9 rotations per second) or 1,000 rpm (16.6 rotations per second). At these speeds, a person’s limb can be pulled into and wrapped around a PTO stub or driveline shaft several times before the person, even a person with extremely fast reflexes, can react. The fast rotation speed, operator error, and lack of proper guarding make PTOs a persistent hazard on farms and ranches.

Injuries that can be sustained from PTO incidents include severe contusion, cuts, spinal and neck injuries, dislocations, broken bones, and scalping. Some incidents can result in fatalities.

PTO Hazards

The main PTO hazards involve the PTO stub and driveline.

PTO Stub

The tractor’s stub output shaft, referred to as a PTO stub, transfers power from the tractor through a drive shaft to the implement or PTO-driven machine. The PTO stub rotates at rate of 540 or 1,000 rpm, and most incidents involving the PTO stub are entanglement incidents.

Entanglement incidents can occur when the operator is unaware that the PTO clutch is engaged, when the operator does not understand the dangers of the spinning PTO stub, or when the operator deliberately works close to an unguarded stub shaft that is in motion. Clothing, such as a pant leg, shoelace, thread from a jacket, and so on, is easily caught by the spinning shaft. Once caught, both the clothing and the wearer can quickly wrap around the stub shaft.

PTO Driveline

A PTO driveline or implement input driveline (IID) is the part of the implement drive shaft that connects to the tractor. When unguarded, the entire shaft of the driveline is considered a wrap-point hazard. Some drivelines have guards covering the straight part of the shaft, leaving the universal joints, PTO coupling, and the rear connector, or implement input connection (IIC), as wrap-point hazards. Clothing can catch on and wrap around the driveline. When clothing is caught on the driveline, the tension on the clothing from the driveline pulls the person toward and around the shaft. When a person caught in the driveline instinctively tries to pull away from wrap hazard, he or she actually creates a tighter wrap.

Driveline Separation

In addition to injuries caused by entanglement incidents with the PTO stub and driveline, injuries can occur when shafts separate while the tractor’s PTO is engaged. The IID shaft telescopes, meaning that one part of the shaft slides into another. The sliding sleeve on the shaft allows for easy hitching of PTO-powered machines to tractors and allows telescopic movement when the machine turns or is operated on uneven ground. If the IID is attached to a tractor by only the PTO stub, the tractor can pull apart the IID shaft. If this occurs and the PTO is engaged, the tractor shaft can swing wildly, striking anyone in range and possibly breaking a locking pin, allowing the shaft to become a projectile. This type of incident is not common, but it is more likely to occur with three-point hitched equipment that is not properly mounted or aligned.

Safety Recommendations

The first line of defense to prevent a PTO entanglement incident is to make sure that your tractor and machinery have the proper shields.

PTO Master Shield

PTO Guard

(PTO Master Shield. Source: Pennsylvania State University. Agricultural Safety and Health)

The above photo shows a master shield that covers and extends over the tractor PTO stub on three sides. The master shield provides protection from the PTO stub and front joint of the drive shaft when the PTO stub is connected to the tractor.

Before operating PTO-powered machinery, always make sure that the master shield for the tractor PTO stub and front joint is secured properly. Replace a damaged master shield immediately.

Driveline Shield

PT Shielding Photo

(PTO Master Shield and Driveline Shield. Source: University of Georgia. College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)

A PTO driveline shield (shown above) is constructed of plastic or metal and completely encloses the shaft. The bell-shaped ends cover the universal joints on the shaft. The shield is mounted on bearings so that it rotates with the shaft but stops spinning when a person touches it.

Check the driveline shield by spinning it to make sure that it rotates freely. If the shield is damaged or does not rotate independently, it does not provide protection and must be replaced.

Additional Safety Precautions

In addition to having the proper shields in place, taking the following precautions can reduce your risk of a PTO incident:

  • Never step over a rotating shaft.
  • Do not wear loose fitting clothing around PTO-driven equipment.
  • Tie back long hair or secure it under a hat before operating equipment.
  • Ensure that safety decals, such as “Rotating Driveline: Contact can cause death,” are readily visible. Replace decals that are obscured or incomplete.
  • Always disengage the PTO and shut off the tractor before dismounting the tractor.
  • Never work on machinery or equipment while the engine is running or is energized.
  • Keep universal joints in phase.
  • Do not switch drivelines between machines.
  • To reduce driveline stress and separation, position the tractor’s drawbar appropriately for each piece of machinery.
  • Reduce PTO shaft abuse by avoiding tight turns, reducing excessive telescoping, engaging power to the shaft gradually, and avoiding over-tightening the slip clutch on PTO-driven machines.
  • Examine the driveline for protruding pins or bolts and debris such as mud that has dried onto the driveline shield. Clothing snags easily on such protrusions, resulting in entanglement incidents.
  • As part of the preoperation inspection, if the driveline shield is equipped with a tether, ensure that the tether is attached and in good condition and that the driveline shield rotates freely on its bearings.

Resources

Click HERE to view a video by the Alabama Cooperative Extension that explains how to install and maintain a shaft cover on a tractor PTO.

Click HERE to view and order safety decals for your PTO driveline from the Agricultural Driveline Manufacturers Association (ADMA).

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

 

Power take-off safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66324/power-take-off-safety.

 

Sources

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. (2009) ANSI/ASABE S604. Safety for Power Take-off (PTO), Implement Input Driveline (IID), Implement Input Connection (IIC), and Auxiliary Power Take-off (aux. PTO) for Agricultural Field Equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from http://elibrary.asabe.org.

FARM-HAT. (2010) Pennsylvania State University Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Agricultural Safety and Health. Retrieved from http://www.agsafety.psu.edu/farmhat/.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2004) Using power take-off (PTO) implements. HOSTA task sheet 5.4.1. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

Murphy, D. (2014) Power take-off (PTO) safety. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/power-take-off-pto-safety.

Safety decal. (2006) Agricultural Driveline Manufacturers Association. Retrieved from http://admausa.com/SafetyResources/SafetyDecal.php.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Glen Blahey, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association – GBlahey@casa-acsa.ca
Jesse Laprade, Auburn University – laprajc@auburn.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

 

Posted on

Mechanical Hazards: Pull-in Points

Pull-in Hazard. Source: The Ohio State University

(Pull-in Point Hazard. Source: The Ohio State University)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Pull-in points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66322/mechanical-hazards:-pull-in-points.

 

A pull-in point hazard is typically associated with crops being fed into a harvesting machine. Harvesting machinery has rotating parts, such as feed rolls, that form pull-in points where they come together. Most pull-in incidents occur when a person attempts to remove material from a machine while the machine is still running—for example, pulling a corn stalk out of corn picker rolls—or to feed material manually into a machine such as a feed roller.

The following pieces of equipment have pull-in points:

  • Combine headers
  • Feed or bale chambers
  • Pull-behind corn pickers
  • Windrow pickups
  • Forage chopper headers
  • Grinders

Potential Injuries

Potential injuries that can result from getting caught in a pull-in point include amputation of extremities, crushed tissue, and broken bones. Severe incidents can be fatal.

Safety Precautions

The list below outlines ways of reducing the risk of pull-in point incidents.

  • Identify machines that may have pull-in points.
  • Always shut off the engine and power source, including any power take-off (PTO), before attempting to clear any plugged areas or completing any repairs.
  • Remember that machines are always faster than people.

Resources

View video about pull-in point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Pull-in points. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66322/mechanical-hazards:-pull-in-points.

 
 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

Grisso, R., Stone, B., & Hetzel, G. (2009) Machinery safety on the farm. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-092/442-092_pdf.pdf.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
LaMar J. Grafft, East Carolina University – grafftl@ecu.edu
William C. Harshman, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University 9Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

 

Posted on

Mechanical Hazards: Stored Energy

Hydraulic Line Check

(Source: Pennsylvania State University. Agricultural Safety and Health)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Stored energy. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66318/mechanical-hazards:-stored-energy.

 

Stored-energy hazards occur when confined energy is unintentionally released. A spring is a classic example of the release of stored energy: A compressed spring expands with great force when released, and a stretched spring quickly contracts. Springs, hydraulics, and pneumatics move and control machines and implements that are part of agricultural equipment. The sudden pressurization or depressurization of such stored-energy systems can result in incidents that cause serious injury or death.

There are many examples of stored energy in agricultural equipment:

  • Compressed air 
  • Pressure washers
  • Springs
  • Winches
  • Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems

Compressed air and fluids are used for tire inflation and power washing and in hydraulic cylinders. Springs are used as shock absorbers and as a means of keeping belts tight. Winches and hydraulic systems are used to lift or change the position of implements. 

Potential Injuries

Injuries that can result from the unintentional release of stored energy include burns, contusions, abrasions, lacerations, injection injuries (as from hydraulic fluid), and crushing injuries. Amputation of a limb may be required if an injection injury is not immediately treated at a hospital.

Safety Precautions

The list below outlines ways of reducing the risk of a stored-energy incident.

  • Identify machines that may have stored energy.
  • Before operating a machine that uses hydraulic or water pressure, examine the hoses and fittings for wear.
    • Pass a piece of cardboard (shown above) or flat board along the hydraulic hoses to check for leaks. Do not use a hand to check for leaks. Gloves do not provide protection from hydraulic leaks under pressure.
  • Turn off the engine and relieve hydraulic pressure before disconnecting hydraulic hoses or completing repairs.
  • Lower hydraulic components to the ground before shutting off the engine and dismounting the equipment.
  • Never walk under an implement or component supported by hydraulics or winches.
  • Regularly check winch cables for wear.
  • Before executing maintenance on hydraulic implements, put in place supports, jacks, stands, or blocks to prevent unintentional movement of the implements.
  • Know what direction a spring will move when released and how it might affect other machine parts, and stay out of the spring’s path.
  • Wait for free-wheeling parts such as flywheels, cutter heads, hammer mills, rotary mower blades, and fans to come to a complete stop before touching them.
    • This may take up to two and a half minutes.
  • Never try to stop a free-wheeling winch handle by catching it.
  • Never point a compressed-air nozzle or pressure-washer nozzle toward a person, including yourself.
    • Make sure others are well out of range of flying debris when using such equipment.

Resources

Click HERE to view a video about stored energy from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

Click HERE to purchase a video from the Fluid Power Safety Institute on managing hydraulic oil injection injuries.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Stored energy. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66318/mechanical-hazards:-stored-energy.

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machinery hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

Cyr, D. & Johnson, S. (2002) Dangers of agricultural machinery. Maine Farm Safety Program. Retrieved from http://umaine.edu/publications/files/2015/04/2316.pdf.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

Safety note #16: Hydraulic safety. (2004) University of California, Agricultural and National Resources, Environmental Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://safety.ucanr.org/files/1406.pdf.

 

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Willard Downs, University of Missouri – Willard@missouri.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Robert A. Schultheis, University of Missouri – SchultheisR@missouri.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Posted on

Mechanical Hazards: Burn Points

Massey Ferg Tractor Exhaust

(Source: Penn State Agricultural Safety & Health)

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Burn points. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66316/mechanical-hazards:-burn-points.

 

Burn-point hazards are associated with tractors, self-propelled equipment, and pull-type machinery. These pieces of equipment have components that can cause burns when they contact skin. The most common activities that result in burn-point incidents include maintenance, inspection, fueling, and servicing of machines.

The following components and machinery elements can be burn points:

  • Mufflers
  • Manifolds
  • Engine blocks
  • Gear cases 
  • Pipes 
  • Hot fluids (fuel, oil, chemicals, and so on) 

Potential Injuries

Burns are the most obvious type of injury sustained due to burn-point hazards. However, additional injuries can occur if operators are startled by contact with burn points. For example, a producer might contact a hot muffler and fall back onto a toolbox, getting a back injury in addition to the burn.

Safety Precautions

The list below outlines ways of reducing the risk of a burn-point incident.

  • Check machinery for burn points and avoid those areas.
  • Shut down the engine and allow time for fluids and parts to cool before completing any fueling, inspections, or maintenance.
  • Do not touch the engine or machine parts during an inspection.
  • Determine whether a part is hot by holding your hand near the surface of the part.
  • Wear leather gloves to protect your hands.

Resources

Click here to view a video about burn-point hazards from Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Burn points. (2012). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66316/mechanical-hazards:-burn-points.

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

Grisso, R., Stone, B., & Hetzel, G. (2009) Machinery safety on the farm. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-092/442-092_pdf.pdf.

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) Mechanical hazards. HOSTA Task Sheet 3.1. Pennsylvania State University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. Retrieved from http://articles.extension.org/sites/default/files/Version%203.%20January….

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
LaMar Grafft, East Carolina University – grafftl@ecu.edu
Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance (Has since retired)
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Posted on

Mechanical Hazards: Thrown Objects

 

Bush Hog Mower

Bush Hog Mower. Photo Source: Penn State University

 

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Thrown objects. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66266/mechanical-hazards:-thrown-objects.

 

A thrown-object hazard is typically associated with equipment that mows, chops, or cuts crops in an open field, barnyard, or yard. Thrown-object hazards typically exist with pieces of equipment, such as rotary mowers, cutters, and shredders, that have rotating fans or knife blades. Machines that chop or grind feed can pose a hazard as well. Thrown-object incidents have also occurred with manure spreaders.

When equipment passes over pieces of metal or wire, sticks, rocks, and so on, the objects can become projectiles that fly a great distance with extreme force. An object can be thrown from the discharge chute of a rotary mower, for example, at speeds of up to 200 mph. 

Thrown objects can cause property damage and serious injury to people or animals in the vicinity. Potential injuries from thrown objects include contusions, abrasions, lacerations, bruises, and eye and head injuries.

Safety Precautions

Listed below are ways that you can reduce the risk of a thrown-object incident:

  • Identify those types of machines that may throw objects.
  • Make sure machine guards or shields are securely in place and properly maintained.
  • Make sure a machine and all its moving parts are completely stopped before nearing the discharge area.
  • Never point a mower discharge chute toward people, pets, homes, structures, streets, or vehicles.
  • Always wear eye protection when working with machinery that cuts, grinds, or chops material.
  • Be aware of the distance and direction of potential thrown objects.
  • When you are working with machinery that can throw objects, do not allow others in the area.

Resources

Click here to view a video about thrown objects from the Pennsylvania State University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program.

 

Use the following format to cite this article:

Mechanical hazards: Thrown objects. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/66266/mechanical-hazards:-thrown-objects.

 

Sources

Agricultural equipment and machine hazards. (2016) The Ohio State University. Retrieved from http://agsafety.osu.edu/programs/cfaes-osha/ag-equipment-machine-hazards.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, 2008. ANSI/ASAE S493.1. Guarding for agricultural equipment. St. Joseph, MI. Retrieved from https://elibrary.asabe.org/.

 
Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Liz Kenton, University of Vermont – ekenton@uvm.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)
Michael Pate, Pennsylvania State University – mlp79@psu.edu
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
 
Posted on

AgSafety4u Certificate Course

AgSafety4U is a joint effort between the University of Nebraska, Pennsylvania State University, and the Ohio State University who recognized the need for formalized agricultural safety and health education for agricultural workers, has developed an online certificate course that provides an overview of the hazards common to farms and rural agricultural businesses. The course offers a general outline of the measures agricultural workers can take to identify and control such hazards.

AgSafety4u is an online course designed for youth, new and beginning farmers, and for employers and employees of agricultural operations looking to enhance their knowledge and/or to provide professional development with a heavy emphasis on tractor and machinery.  Individuals who take this course and pass the online quizzes will be able to print a certificate of completion.

This program can be used for the classroom portion of the Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA) safety certification program for youth 14 and 15 years of age who are seeking employment and must be certified to drive or operate tractors and machinery for hire. Additional hands-on training is required for issuing a US DOL certificate.

Website Link

Click HERE to register for the AgSafety4u certificate course.

Click HERE to purchase bulk class enrollments.

Cost

The certificate course costs $10.00 per person. Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the course.

Target Audience

The certificate course was developed for agricultural employees, employers, and other rural workers.

Learning Objectives and Goals

The AgSafety4u certificate course organizes training in six modules, each of which focuses on a particular subject area.

Module 1: Introduction

The introductory module provides an overview of agriculture, types of risks, and regulations related to safety and health.

Module 2: Safety Basics

This module provides information on the following topics:

  • Injuries involving youth
  • Age-appropriate tasks for youth
  • Appropriate clothing for working on the farm
  • Hazard warning signs
  • Hand signals
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • First aid basics

Module 3: Agricultural Hazards

This module outlines information on the following topics:

  • Mechanical hazards and associated safety considerations
  • Animals
  • Agricultural pesticides
  • Electrical hazards
  • Confined spaces, silos, grain bins, and manure storage areas
  • Anhydrous ammonia
  • Farmstead chemicals

Module 4: The Tractor

This module includes the following topics:

  • Tractor types
  • Tractor hazards
  • Guidelines for age-appropriate tasks for children and youth
  • Tractor instrument panels
  • Tractor controls (stop engine, ground motion, power engagement, and positioning and adjusting)
  • Operation symbols and the location and movement of tractor controls
  • Preventative maintenance and pre-operation checks
  • Jumper cables
  • Tractor stability
  • Lighting and marking

The module also addresses the following activities:

  • Starting and stopping diesel and gasoline engines
  • Mounting and dismounting and starting and stopping a tractor
  • Moving and steering a tractor
  • Operating a tractor in reverse
  • Using a tractor safely
  • Operating a tractor on public roads

Module 5: Connecting and Using Implements with the Tractor

This module provides information on the following topics:

  • Connecting implements to a tractor
  • Using draw bar implements
  • Using three-point hitch implements
  • Making power take-off (PTO) connections
  • Using PTO implements
  • Using implements with hydraulic components
  • Using implements with electrical connections

Module 6: Materials Handling

This module covers the use of the following vehicles:

  • Skid steers
  • All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
  • Utility vehicles

Evaluation

Participants must complete an online quiz at the end of each module. Once a score of at least 70% is achieved on each module, the participant will be issued a digital certificate and badge.

Reviewed and Summarized by:
Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu
Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (has since retired)
Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu
Proudly powered by WordPress